Clara turned, swinging herself underneath his arms to grab hold of two more pegs on the wheel, trying to turn with him because she presumed he was trying to stop the motion. The phone in her purse rang shrilly, and she grunted with the effort that was burning her arms as they simply moved faster and faster. She glanced up at the worried look on Killian's face as he turned and then one arm closed around her and he pressed her body into the wheel in front of them as they tilted backwards and began a quick descent.
Closing her eyes, she braced for some sort of impact, but all she felt was a stomach turning fall, like the start of a roller coaster, and then they lurched upright and she listened to seagulls chirping overhead. "No," she heard Killian gasp.
Clara raised her head and looked out over the bright sky, at the ocean calmly around them, and the small seaside village they were now sailing towards. "What…" she started slowly, eyes locked on his as he stared at the sight in front of them. "What is that?"
Shaking his head, he half smiled, but she could see the concern when he looked back down at her and admitted, "That is where pirates live."
"Is that your home?" Clara asked, swallowing roughly against her parched throat. "Are we back at your home?" Then she turned, "Have we gone back in time?"
The man in front of her didn't budge, he simply leaned into her and whispered, "Where we're going is very dangerous and Clara, heed my words, don't take one step out of line. From here on out you are Killian Jones' lass – if you dare utter anything different, you may find yourself at a loss for a head." He looked away, then took a step back and watched her take a deep breath before telling her, "We'll have to port, at least for the night…"
"Can't we turn around?" Clara asked, hand on the wheel just behind her.
He shook his head, "They'd have spotted us already, if we turn, the gesture would be taken as a glove to the face and we'd be chased for an explanation."
"You have strange customs," Clara whispered.
Smiling weakly, Killian provided, "We're pirates – not big on trust, love."
"I take it," she responded quickly before looking back to the city as Killian took hold of the wheel and began to steer, raising an arm and giving a wave and a nod. "How did we get here?"
He continued to steer, face pained as he looked to her and admitted honestly, "Not entirely sure. Suppose time corrected itself."
"Time correct…" she started, then her eyes went wide and she scoffed, "I'm not in the correct time – what is this time?" Clara pointed, "What time are we?"
With a small smirk, he told her, "A long time ago," then he raised a hand, "You'll be fine, Clara, just… just stay by my side, I'll keep you safe and find a way to return you." With a sigh, he checked his pocket and thumbed the small vial that contained an odd bean. Down to the last he'd stolen. He glanced sideways at her, at the large dark eyes now studying the village they were approaching and he frowned, "Captain's quarters, see if you could find something more suitable to wear."
"You make a habit of bringing dresses aboard?" She teased, releasing a huff of laughter that surprised him.
With a nod, he supplied, "Aye, you never know what you could trade for an expensive dress."
Clara hesitated, but then moved in the direction he gestured and pushed into the room slowly, glancing around the small space before finding a closet and rummaging through the coats and vests. She paused, fingers running over what looked like an old army sailor's uniform and she glanced back wondering if he'd answer if she asked. Then she pushed it aside and looked to two dresses that lay pressed into the back of the closet. Neither was overly flashy, simply cut, tight – she could already tell – at the waist and bust, and, she sighed, both definitely made for taller women.
Pulling out a deep red dress with a fluff of cream colored pleated material at the chest and matching flowing long sleeves, she considered whether this was still, somehow, a ruse. But the man up top had seemed genuine in his concern, so she quickly undressed, folding her clothes in a neat pile on his bed before throwing the dress over her head and smoothing it over her body. The fit was tight, but not enough so to bother her and she extended her arms, smiling at the way the silky sleeves hung like small wings.
Reaching behind her, she frowned when she realized she'd have to be buttoned up and her eyes closed because she could imagine Killian was above her just waiting, smirk on his smug face. Clutching the long skirt in her palms, she made her way just outside where he was standing, hand raised as if to knock, and she could see the flutter of something like shock wash over his face as he took her in and then swallowed. "Almost at port, was going to rush you."
"Need help," she managed, turning to show him the buttons and her bare back. "Killian?"
He reached forward slowly, fingers working awkwardly over each connection, knuckles brushing her skin occasionally and he smiled when he saw the gooseflesh on the back of her neck as she raised her hair. When she dropped down, it tickled his hands, just before he pulled away – as if stung – and she swung around, tossing him a look of contempt because she knew he'd snuck those touches on purpose and she supposed punching him just before docking would be inappropriate.
He'd have to be her guide and guardian in this place.
Nodding, Clara asked quietly, "Anything I should know?"
Looking her over, he shook his head, "Just stay quiet, say you're my wife, follow my lead."
"I'll not be your wife, I'm not even graduated yet!" Clara spat.
He laughed, "Don't mention your schooling, not many here would find the advancement of women as endearing as I do." He turned before she could respond, leaving her slack jawed and annoyed as he waved to a man at the dock, "A little help, my line was cut."
Clara crossed her arms at her chest and settled herself at the side of the ship, watching them secure the vessel to port before he offered his hand and smiled. She released a long sigh and watched his brow fall slowly at her disdain and when he approached her, she told him plainly, "If you try anything, I won't hesitate to put a knee between your legs."
"Threatening to destroy my personal cannon and we've yet to step foot on land?" He chuckled, "Playing my wife won't be as hard as you think." Killian held out a hand again, waiting for her to take it and he lead her towards the board that bridged them to the dock, walking with a grin on his face as she pushed her lips together in annoyance.
A portly man approached them, arms outstretched and Killian released her to do the same, shouting happily, "Barnibus!" Just before the man's expression shifted and he sucker punched Killian in the jaw.